A statute of limitations is a hard deadline. If you do not file your claim within the legal time limit, the court will dismiss it — even if you have overwhelming evidence and serious injuries. Knowing which clock applies to your case is one of the most important early decisions you will make.
Common Michigan deadlines
- General personal injury (auto accidents, slip-and-fall, dog bite, etc.): three years from the date of injury.
- No-fault PIP benefits: one year from the date of expenses incurred (the one-year-back rule).
- Medical malpractice: generally two years from the act, or six months from when the injury was discovered, capped at six years total.
- Wrongful death: three years from the date of death (same as the underlying personal injury claim).
- Claims against governmental entities: notice of injury must be filed within 120 days, with much shorter deadlines for some claims.
Why you should not wait
Even if your deadline is years away, evidence disappears, witnesses move, and memories fade. Insurance companies know this and use delay strategically. The earlier an attorney is involved, the more leverage you have.
If you are unsure, ask
Some deadlines have exceptions — minors, mental incapacity, fraudulent concealment — that can extend the timeline. The only safe answer is to talk to an attorney as soon as possible. The consultation is free.